2021 - Best Nursing Schools in West Virginia

Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in West Virginia

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in West Virginia

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in West Virginia offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

West Virginia  RN Licensing Requirements

West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses
101 Dee Drive, Suite 102
Charleston, WV 25311
(304) 558-3596

Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $51.50
License renewal (annual), RN: $65

Continuing Education Requirements:
12 contact hours per renewal period

RN Licensure by Exams

Candidates must complete a criminal background check before obtaining licensure. Candidates should schedule an appointment with L-1 Identity Solutions in order to meet this requirement. Scheduling can be completed online. The application fee is $51.50 and there is an additional $200 fee that is made payable to Pearson VUE, the company that hosts the NCLEX exam. There are two certifications that must be included with the application: someone who can attest to the good moral character of the candidate and one from the director or dean of the nursing program. A candidate may be issued a 90-day temporary permit after graduation but it will become invalidated if the is unsuccessful in passing the NCLEX exam on the first attempt. In this case, the candidate will need to reapply and pay additional fees. After two failed attempts, there will be additional requirements that will need to be met before obtaining authorization again.

RN License by Endorsement

Nurses who obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states will be able to obtain licensure by endorsement in the state of West Virginia after submitting fingerprints at a local law enforcement agency.

RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad

In some cases nurses who completed a program outside of the United States will also be able to obtain licensure in West Virginia. Candidates will be required to submit certification by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools prior to applying to take the NCLEX exam through the Board. There is a $60 fee for the endorsement.

RN Salaries in West Virginia

The demand for nurses could grow by 23% by the year 2020 which may create up to 4,000 new jobs. Nurses who have obtained a bachelor’s degree will find that they are well prepared to handle the constantly evolving industry. Nurses in West Virginia earn a median income level of $53,100. The specific wages are dependent on the education and experience level of the individual nurse. Baccalaureate-prepared nurses receive training in leadership and management, which prepares them for administrative positions within hospitals and nursing homes.

West Virginia Registered Nursing Salaries

The Charleston metropolitan area has the highest number of employed registered nurses along with the highest hourly wage and annual median wage.

Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.

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